Essential Facts About Pomeranians You Should Know
Thinking about getting a Pomeranian? These pint-sized fluffballs pack a lot of personality into a tiny frame — and while they’re adorable and full of charm, they’re definitely not low-maintenance. We've had plenty of experience with toy breeds like this, and trust me, there’s more to owning a Pom than just brushing that beautiful coat.
Here’s what you really need to know before bringing one home.
1. Small Body, Big Personality
Pomeranians may be tiny — we’re talking 3 to 7 pounds and about 6–7 inches tall — but they’ve got the bold spirit of a much bigger dog. That’s not a coincidence. They’re part of the Spitz family, which also includes Huskies and Malamutes. So even though they look cute and cuddly, they’ve got a working-dog lineage hiding under all that fur.
Don’t be surprised if your Pom tries to boss around dogs ten times their size. Early socialization and training can help curb that “Napoleon Complex” and make them more polite around people and pets.
2. Their Coat Is Gorgeous — and Demanding
Let’s talk about the fluff. Poms have a double coat: a soft undercoat for insulation and a longer outer layer that gives them that signature puffball look. It’s beautiful, but it’s also a magnet for tangles and mats.
You’ll need to brush them daily — yes, daily — to keep their coat healthy and prevent painful knots. We recommend investing in a good slicker brush and a metal comb. Bathing every few weeks and regular trips to the groomer will also help manage shedding, especially during seasonal coat blowouts.
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance dog, this isn’t it.
3. Great for Apartments — But Not Couch Potatoes
Pomeranians have plenty of energy, but their tiny size means they don’t need a backyard to burn it off. A couple of walks a day and some playtime indoors will usually do the trick.
That said, they’re not lazy lap dogs by default. They love to learn and stay busy — so puzzle toys, training games, and even agility (yes, really!) can be a great way to keep them engaged.
4. Smarter Than They Look (Use It!)
Don’t let the fluff fool you — Poms are sharp. They pick up on training quickly, especially if you start early. Basic obedience will help with barking (they can be vocal) and potty training, and once they’ve got the basics down, you can teach them all sorts of tricks.
But be warned: if you don’t give them something to do, they’ll find their own entertainment — and you might not like what they come up with.
5. Barking? It’s Manageable
Yes, Poms can be barky. But in our experience, that’s more about training (or lack of it) than the breed itself. They’re naturally alert and protective, which is great if you want a little watchdog, but less great if you live in an apartment with thin walls.
Start teaching “quiet” early on, and make sure they get plenty of mental and physical exercise. A tired Pom is a quiet Pom.
6. Friendly and Social — With the Right Start
Pomeranians can be wonderfully affectionate and social, but like most dogs, they need early and positive socialization. Introduce them to a variety of people, animals, and environments while they’re young, and they’ll grow into confident, friendly adults.
Skip this step, and you might end up with a barky, anxious dog who doesn’t trust strangers — not fun for anyone.
7. Health: Mostly Good, but Keep an Eye Out
Poms are generally healthy and can live 12–16 years with good care. But like many toy breeds, they’re prone to a few specific issues:
- Collapsed trachea (watch for coughing or honking sounds)
- Patellar luxation (kneecap issues that can cause limping)
- Hypoglycemia in puppies
- Eye issues like cataracts or infections
Regular vet checkups, good nutrition, and keeping them at a healthy weight go a long way in preventing problems.
8. So Many Colors, All Adorable
One thing we love about Pomeranians? The variety. They come in over 20 recognized colors — from white and cream to black, sable, merle, and even tri-color. No matter what look you go for, they pretty much always turn heads.
Final Thoughts
Pomeranians are full of life, loyal to their humans, and surprisingly trainable. But they’re also high-maintenance in terms of grooming and need consistent training and socialization to be their best selves.
If you’re ready to commit to that, a Pom can make a fantastic companion — one that’ll keep you laughing and loving for many years to come.